possible Florida vacation

[Ghosthawk]

The wife and I are in our usual planning stage for our next year (2009) vacation, since its time for me to pick my weeks at work.

We are considering a Florida trip since she has never been there and was hoping for some local knowledge. we are looking at Daytona (for me) Everglades (for her to shoot wildlife and bird pics) and Key West for some sailing and snorkling. I know there is alot in between and seaching on the computer just gives you all the big time tourist things like theme parks and such...that aint our speed.

We're more into great beaches, quaint little villages and towns with local culture and fabulous scenery...the road less travelled I guess you could say. I'm sure there must be huge chunks of Florida that mainstream tourism doesnt come close to. Fruit groves comes to mind. Dont get me wrong, we arent the hiking and camping types either, just slightly off the beaten path...that's where the best top down driving is to be had anyway

I've read St Augustine and St Petersburg/Clearwater are niceplaces for this kind of thing...plus the A1A coast road.

So please chime in with any suggestions you may have.

[SRG]

Clearwater area has some great gulf beaches, and the North beach at Fort Desoto is (or was) ranked number one by that guy who ranks beaches (Dr. Beach? IDK) But still lots of touristy stuff around.

Any good beach in FL means tourists, as far as I know...

Good luck with whatever you do....

srg

[Hooligan]

Cocoa not Cocoa Beach is a nice little area near the Space Center. Cocoa Beach has wonderful beaches.

[CREWZIN]

Off the beatin path is towards my way (Nature Coast) above Tampa and out of the Tourist traps. Beaches include Pine Island and Fort Island Beach. Places of interest include Weeki Wachi Springs, the Homosassa River (home of the Manatees) and Cedar Key (quaint fishing village).

Welcome to the Nature Coast

Welcome to The Nature Coast.

Crystal River Homosassa Springs Fl Manatees Real Estate Fishing Lodging

Florida's Nature Coast

[samfull35]

The area around Bradenton has lots to offer, especially Anna Maria Island and its great beaches. Its my little south sea island where I spent many cold winters walking the beach. The parking is still free and the people friendly.
Mote Marine museum is incredible and Myakka state park had 1000 alligators and lots of wildlife. The Lippanzaner stalions train just east of Bradenton. Beautiful to see.

[MINIHEMI46]

Bring lots and lots of MONEY with you to spend, we need it down here because only a few snowbirds are coming this year.

[Hooligan]

Originally Posted by MINIHEMI46

Bring lots and lots of MONEY with you to spend, we need it down here because only a few snowbirds are coming this year.

...and they are from Canada, their $$ is good vs ours. Welcome!!!

[Windancer]

Originally Posted by Hooligan

...and they are from Canada, their $$ is good vs ours. Welcome!!!

2 months ago, my dollar was pretty much equal to your dollar and today I just checked my currency gadget on my computer and it's only worth 81 cents. Yikes.....

[snowbirdIN]

We stay in the central part of the state near Haines City Fl and there is some neat out of the way places there. If you have never been to Cypress Gardens you should spend a day there, they have beautiful gardens.

Another neat place is Bok Tower Garden near Lake Wales, it is sort of a hidden place that not many people have heard of and it is a Natonal Historic Landmark. It is very quiet and peaceful with beautiful gardens. The lush landscapes of the Olmsted gardens, the majesty and music of the Singing Tower with its 60-bell carillon and the splendor of Pinewood Estate create an experience that inspires all who visit. While near Lake Wales you also need to stop at Spook Hill and try to figure that out.

Spook Hill web site
Spook Hill
Bok Tower web site
Bok Tower Gardens

When you are in this area you must stop at the Cherry Pocket Fish Camp and Steak & Seafood Shak some of the best fried grouper and food I've had, and also great Carrot Cake. It is located near Lake Wales on Lake Pierce. It is very rustic and peacefull and a unique dining experence.

Featuring

Fresh Gulf Coast Grouper
Fresh Crab Legs
Fresh Gator
Choice cuts of Filet Mignon
and much much more...
Served blackened or grilled
Cherry Pocket web Site
Cherry Pocket Fish Camp and Seafood Shak

And if you get near Plant City be sure to stop at Parksdale Farms for one of the best Strawberry Shortcakes you've ever had.

If you are in the area on a Thursday evening there is a Large Flea Market at Auburndale that has a little resturant and they have some very good Bluegrass music on Thursday nights. There will be about 4 to 6 different bands and some of them are very good and some are average, I enjoy it very much. This is just a few of the things we do here in the winter, there are many other things to do in the area, close to Orlando with many things there.

Goldwing Express

Goldwing Express - Now Playing in Branson, MO

We saw Goldwing Express at Auburndale and they were great, they have a lot of humor in their program, if you ever get a chance to see them don't pass it up.

[CREWZIN]

Cypress Gardens is/was nice. It's closed down for now going into Chapter 11. It will open up again in the spring as mostly a water park doing away with most of the amusement rides.